But the former Hoops striker could do with averting his eyes from today’s Hotline with many callers far from happy with his remarks ahead of tomorrow’s Old Firm League Cup semi-final.

Sam Merry, Airdrie, said: “Tom Boyd started the ball rolling with his comments about Rangers being a new club and now Sutton has completely disrespected them in his column by saying the Hoops will hammer their rivals.

“He was an over-rated player and should count himself lucky to have played for Celtic. All he’s done is fan the flames ahead of an already volatile fixture.”

Ian Grant, Falkirk, said: “Sutton is a brave, brave man to come out with his comments and I’m sure the Rangers players will have his article pinned on the dressing room wall.

“Celtic will win the game as Rangers are an ordinary team but I would never say that any side has no chance. Chris might be right but why would he stake his life on a Celtic win? It’s a bit foolish. I’ve seen ordinary sides have extraordinary days and Chris has stirred the hornet’s nest.”

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Harry Walker, Shotts, said: “It’s a crazy thing for Sutton to say as he should know better than anyone about the potential for trouble at Old Firm games. These remarks aren’t helpful.

Thomas Jenkins, Belfast, said: “Sutton has a very short memory as he talks about blindfolds but he’s forgotten losing the league on the last day of the season a few years ago when he accused Dunfermline of lying down to Rangers. So he has history for talking rubbish.”

Graham Shaw, Glasgow, said: “Sutton may think Celtic players could beat Rangers wearing blindfolds but he could do with a gag as it’s dangerous nonsense to make such disrespectful comments ahead of a game which has such potential for trouble. Sutton has shown no class.”

David Thompson, Paisley, said: “I was at an Old Firm League Cup Final years ago when Rangers were clear favourites but Celtic won 7-1, so it shows that you shouldn’t try and predict the result. Sutton has set himself up for a fall.”

Stevie Campbell, Tollcross, said: “Rangers should hire a helicopter and get it to hover above Hampden during the game as that usually ensures Celtic players bottle it. I don’t know where Sutton’s getting his superiority complex from. It’s disappointing to hear his remarks. He should be showing more respect.”

Dunky Robertson, London , said: “Walter Smith believes Celtic players aren’t giving Rangers enough respect but I had to laugh at that. The people running things at Rangers don’t show the fans any respect so why should Celtic?”

Alan McGaw, Alloa, said: “The Old Firm game has enough problems without Sutton saying Celtic can beat Rangers wearing blindfolds. He should let the players do their talking on the pitch instead of stoking up the tensions. It’s not helpful.”

There was also a rare call about the football.

Pat Thomson, Parkhead, said: “I hope Ronny Deila doesn’t tinker with the Celtic side on Sunday and sticks with Leigh Griffiths, leaving John Guidetti on the bench. Griffiths knows what it’s like to play against Rangers and he’ll have Lee McCulloch’s tongue hanging out with his pace and movement.”

Tommy McLean, Dunblane, said: “I would like to congratulate Andy Murray for once again reaching the Australian Open tennis final despite being under pressure against Tomas Berdych. I was impressed with how he kept himself together and wish him all the best for Sunday.”